Readers cast 'vote' on debate

Deseret Morning News readers exhibited both support and disgust for each of the presidential candidates following the first presidential debate Thursday evening.

Feedback and e-mails posted to the newspaper's Web site Friday added to the political fight for the nation's presidency. Many responses were posted by readers who watched the debate and chose their candidate accordingly.

Several readers believed Democrat John Kerry proved his strong character with equally strong debating skills and, in turn, dominated the debate.

"Finally, presidential coverage that was worth watching," said Salt Lake resident Heather Rentz. "The debates were a breath of fresh air and a definite clarification. Kerry had answers and Bush danced around the questions, determined to do nothing but give sound bites."

Rentz said Kerry proved to her that he would make an "excellent president."

"Kerry won big time," said Wallace Black of Layton. "I don't think he can change the minds of staunch Republicans. He showed he has good ideas and could lead this great nation."

He said that Kerry showed he is a "good guy" and a "good thinker."

Gwen Stenquist of St. George said the debate was a good opportunity for Kerry to define himself.

"President Bush was bushed, and it was embarrassing to see him fumble and fume," she said.

However, Kay Lin E. Olsen of West Jordan said Kerry's debating tactics don't make him the best candidate for president.

"John Kerry is known as a great debater," she said. "He was a debater in college. President Bush is not as professional as was Mr. Kerry, but that does not mean that we should be so quick to say Kerry was victorious." She said Kerry's comments were not so profound.

Olsen said that Kerry's appearance was more appealing because he has not had the duties of president on his shoulders.

"Being a great orator does not necessarily make someone a great president," Olsen said.

Overall, David Sawyer at Hill Air Force Base said he thinks the debate won't have a big effect on the polls. He said Kerry gave undecided voters a chance to look closer at his candidacy.

"As far as how each candidate looked, I think Senator Kerry looked much better," Sawyer said. "I hate to say he looked more presidential, but he certainly looked more like the type of person Americans expect to lead this country."